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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry?

By Walter Donaldson & Abe Lyman1926

Popular 1920s bandleader Lyman (pictured) wrote the lyrics to this tune by vastly underrated songwriter Donaldson, and introduced the song with his orchestra. It became one of the most popular songs of the decade, and an emblem of the Jazz Age. It was featured to great effect in the 1971 horror comedy The Abominable Dr. Phibes, which includes a plethora of great '20s songs.

Lyrics:

What can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?What can I do to prove it to you that I'm sorry?I didn't mean to ever be mean to you.If I didn't care I wouldn't feel like I do.

I was all wrong, but right or wrong I don't blame you.Why should I take somebody like you and shame you?I know that I made you cry and I'm so sorry dear,So what can I say, dear, after I say I'm sorry?

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Listen to Martini in the Morning

Jazz News

A tribute to the finest genre of popular music in history, pop's direct link to the classical tradition, and one of our nation's most important contributions to world culture, the Great American Songbook. Each day (more or less), I spotlight a different popular standard. And yes, I'm straight. So is your grandfather. He loves this music, too--just ask him!